Boy
Scout Summer Camp 2003
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here to download the entire camp manual (1.4 MB PDF)
Table of Contents
Welcome
Letter
Welcome
to the 2003 camping season at Great Rivers Council Camps. We have tremendous
facilities for you and your troop to experience the best part of Scouting�s
outdoor program.... Summer Camp.
Many
activities await you and your Scouts at camp. Everything from the thrill of
experiencing the
natural beauty of our properties, to earning merit badges, to completing rank
advancement, to taking part in the special activities planned. Leaders, whether
on board for the entire week or just one night, will also have plenty of
activities available.
Our
camp staff is committed to providing the best possible program. Our goal is to
be friendly and responsive to the needs of your unit and to set an excellent
example of what Scouts should be to all those attending camp. The staff is
carefully selected and trained to assist in your stay. They are ready to help
you at any time.
We
continue to adjust, expand, and develop our programs. Please take time to read
this guide from cover to cover, absorb all of the information in it and pass it
along to your other leaders and your troop. We feel that the 2003 program will
be our best and most energetic effort ever. Please take time to prepare for your
adventure at camp.
In
order for us to best meet your needs, it will be important to plan your troop
activities and advancement.
Please
take time before camp to determine what your troop program requirements are and
communicate that information to us before you arrive. That will give us the
opportunity to assist you in meeting your goals.
If
you have any questions, special needs, or just want to talk about your week in
camp, feel free
to
contact us. We will be happy to work with your troop in any way we can. Again,
we are glad to have you on board as a member of the team in 2003.
Yours
in Scouting,
David
A. Nolle
Camp
Director
Great
Rivers Council
Boy
Scouts of America
1203
Fay Street
Columbia,
MO 65201
573-449-2561
x202 or 800-726-8852
dnolle@bsamail.org
http://www.bsa-grc.org
Summer
Camp Questions and Answers. (FAQS)
Q: Why do adults have to pay when they are volunteering their
time?
A:
Food service for one person at camp costs roughly $50 per person. Prior
to 2002 we had a complicated adult fee schedule. The camping committee
has set the adult Boy Scout camper fee at $55 for the 2003 camping season.
Troops may decide to help offset the costs of adults attending camp using
funds from popcorn sales and other budget sources. We still have one of
the lowest priced camping facilities in the region. To cover the cost of the
adults food we would have to raise the camp fee paid by Scouts..
Q: Why don't we pay the $3 climb fee for tower climbs any longer?
A:
In an effort to streamline the fee structure for summer camp this fee was
eliminated in 2001. Fees are still set for Shotgun Shooting,
Motorboating/Waterskiing, and COPE. These are under consideration for
elimination in future years.
Q: Do new WEBELOS Scouts receive an extension on Campers Savings?
A:
Yes, Webelos Scouts can receive the camper savings rate until June 1, 2003.
Q: When do we turn in our Merit Badge Sheets?
A:
Merit Badge Sheets will be accepted on a first come first served basis as
delivered to the Council Service Center prior to May 1, 2003 and after May 1,
2003 to the camp.
Q: Are there age limits on merit badges?
A:
Technically, no. However, we have recommendations to Scoutmasters that
certain badges are saved for age appropriate activities for your Scouts.
Example: Rifle Shooting is preferred for second year campers and above.
Shotgun Shooting is preferred for third year campers and above. We rely
on the Scoutmaster to coach the Scouts in their selection on merit badges
Sailing and Water skiining are also examples of badges that require advanced
maturity and greater physical development.
Q: How many merit badges should a Scout take?
:
A Scout can theoretically take six merit badges during a camp season. It
is very difficult for a Scout to complete more than three merit badges during
a camp season even with advance preparation. We recommend a Scout to
schedule no more than three or four badges. During the other three periods he
may wish to go to a free swim, work on rank advancement in camp, assist
with the Brownsea area, participate in a troop shoot, or participate in a
troop climb.
Q:
What�s up with these merit badge counselors?
I overheard one the third week of camp saying �Looks like I�m
teaching Geology this week.� Aren�t
they trained well before then?
A
Life and Eagle Scouts age 15 and older apply for camp staff beginning
in December. They are interviewed
and often offered a contract to work their entire summer camp season.
Occasionally, they are unable to complete the season and someone is
asked to pick up the slack.
All
of our area directors in addition to the camp program director are nationally
camp school certified. At this
camp school training they receive standardized syllabi for the normal summer
camp merit badges. These, along
with advance preparation following badge assignments at the May 10 staff
orientation, and extensive preparation at the staff-training week, help a
staffer prepare for the badge. In
all cases the area director is the official merit badge counselor as approved
by the council advancement committee.
Q:
How come the classes are so large?
A:
We try not to limit class size. Instead,
based on advance registrations in the order received, we attempt to offer
additional sessions if we see a class becoming too full.
We do strongly encourage Scoutmasters to redirect young Scouts who do
not meet the recommended age for a badge.
Q:
This Brownsea schedule is confusing, can you clarify?
A:
The class is from 9-11. We
expect every first year Scout to participate in a Swimming experience �
either Instructional Swim at 2 pm or the Swimming Merit Badge at 11 am.
Q:
What is being done to retain older staffers?
A:
A camp staff scholarship program has been implemented to encourage
older staffers to return. This
program requires full season employment and consecutive years of service.
Q:
My leaders tell me that they only received a slice of French toast and
a slice of bacon for breakfast at Camp Thunderbird.
Is that true?
A:
All of our meal portions are approved by a dietician.
Perhaps the Scouts at his table were a little anxious and ate his
portion. Almost always, even while serving family style, seconds are
available. Nevertheless, the
caloric intake at camp increases and campers may seem hungrier.
The food served does, however, exceed the USDA recommendations.
Some Scouts and Scouters may be used to eating a bit more than the USDA
recommends.
Q:
We didn�t care for the break away steak.
What are you planning of replacing it with?
A:
We�re going to try a Lemon Pepper Fish � Its an experiment.
We look forward to your feedback.
Q:
It never seems to fail that the restrooms and showers at camp become
filthy. Is there anything that
can be done about that?
A:
The camp staff ensures that these facilities start your week off clean.
The commissioner then coordinates troops to take turns cleaning the
facilities. One in the morning,
one in the afternoon. As long you
have two leaders you can feel safe �Checking� on the youth side of the
showers.
Q:
The check-in takes so long, Any
plans there?
A:
We�ve already made improvements in 2002 by moving the medical
re-check to the campsites. As far as the office is concerned. We�ll have two lines.
Those that have all their receipts, rosters, and money paid.
Another, longer, line for those that wish to wait until camp to take
care of the dreaded Boy Scout Paperwork.
Q:
Can you change up the trading post?
A:
We are working toward a walk through trading post.
Adding hats, and coffee mugs to the for sale items.
Q: Can we bring our troop trailer to camp early?
A: Yes, you can send a driver with the trailer and gear
early. All vehicles should plan on being unloaded and off of the
campsite by 1 p.m. on Sunday check-in.
What's
New This Year
1.
Fly Fishing Merit Badge
2.
Scoutmaster Merit Badge
3.
Leaders Guide Posted Online
4.
Distribute Post Cards
5.
Camp Promotion video online
Planning Your Trip - Pre Camp Check List
- NOW Committee meets to plan transportation, leadership, and
finances. Committee decides on camping session that they wish to attend and
reserve campsite ($10.00 per person deposit required).
- March Parent�s night to share summer camp plans with parents and
new members. Arrange necessary Leadership for camp.
- April Contact parents of Scouts not yet signed up for camp.
Distribute medical forms and personal equipment list. Leaders meet with
Scouts to check last minute details.
- May 1 All camp fees are to be paid in full at council service
center to receive camper�s savings. Youth and adult Rosters submitted with
final payment.
- 14 days out Send Advance Information sheet to Camp Director at
Camp.
- 7 days out Complete all final arrangements. BE SURE ALL CAMPERS AND
ADULTS HAVE COMPLETED MEDICAL FORMS PACKED AND READY TO PRESENT TO CAMP.
PHYSICIAN (within 3 years) AND PARENT (this year) MUST SIGN THESE FORMS.
Check personal, patrol, and troop equipment.
- 0 Days out Do you have: Scouts, gear, paperwork, a spare lawn
chair, plenty of excitement?
Latest
Camp Schedules (In Microsoft Excel):
If
you do not have Microsoft Excel you can download the free viewer at:
http://office.microsoft.com/downloads/2000/xlviewer.aspx
Campsite Schedule as of June 2,
2003
Sunday Check In Procedure:
Check-In 1:00 p.m. � 4:00 p.m. Sunday (Any troop trailers must be brought
in between 9:00 a.m. � 12:30 p.m. Troop trailers may be delivered on Saturday
by appointment)
- Park vehicles in parking lot or other areas as directed.
- Leave medical forms with an assistant Scoutmaster.
- Send Scoutmaster to camp office to check-in.
- Assistant Scoutmaster meets Troop Counselor and delivers troop and
personal gear to campsite.
- Troop Counselor guides Troop through tour of camp, medical rechecks, swim
checks, and a dining hall or commissary orientation.
- Finish moving into campsite and setting up tents.
Items the Scoutmaster will need for Check-In:
- Complete roster of all campers and adults � Names of adults staying with
unit, full-time and part-time
- Receipts for fees paid to the council service center, and balance of fees,
if any due. Camper fees MUST be paid at this time. Prior to camp you will
receive a statement of fees paid.
- Commissary/Dining Hall special needs list.
- List of youth and adults to be called out for the Order of the Arrow on
Thursday evening.
- Out of Council Units: � Insurance certification covering all campers and
adults, if not already sent to council service center. Bring along claim
forms.
- Tour Permit
Contacting Camp:
Parents often ask where their son will be and how they can reach him... and
rightfully so! Please encourage parents to write, but not to call unless it is
an emergency. The main telephone in camp is for camp business and emergencies
ONLY.
Snail Mail Service: Outgoing mail is picked up daily from the camp office.
Scouts
Name and Troop #
Camp
Thunderbird
1610
Camp Thunderbird Lane
Cairo
MO 65239
or
Hohn
Scout Reservation
525
Camp Hohn Drive
Gravois
Mills, MO 65037
Email Service: GRCCAMPS@YAHOO.COM
Include Scouts Name and Campsite in the Subject line.
Telephone: The camp telephone is used for camp business and emergencies only.
There is a pay phone available for personal use at both Hohn Scout Reservation
and Camp Thunderbird. All outgoing calls must be collect or credit card calls
only. Telephone messages should be limited to emergencies only.
� Hohn Scout Reservation: (573) 374-5761 � Camp Thunderbird (660) 295-4852
Summer Camp Fees
Scout Fees: $160.00
$140 with campers Savings.
Campers Savings Day Requirements:
- Unit Representative present at February Camp Preview Meeting �
- Scouts Camp fees paid in full by May 1, 2003 (transferring WEBELOS Scouts
may receive campers savings until June 1, 2002) �
- Scouts receiving camperships are not eligible for the camper savings
discount
Adult Leader Fees: $55.00 Adult Leader fees are set to cover only the cost of
the food they eat. (17 meals * $3.24 each)
National BSA policy requires two (2) adult leaders for all Scouting
activities, including long term camp and field trips out of camp. Each unit must
have at least two adult leaders in attendance. Small units may want to make
arrangements with another unit to share campsites and leadership
responsibilities.
Transferring Fees: All camper and adult fees are transferable to another
camper or adult. However, After May 1, the $10.00 registration fee is not
transferable.
Campsite Reservation:
Campsite reservations are made on a first come basis by completing a
campsite reservation. If you have not completed a reservation please do so
today! A reservation form is located
in the forms section of this website. A
$10.00 per person deposit will reserve a spot in the campsite of your choice,
however the camp commissioner will decide how to best fit the units and patrols
within a given campsite. This means that you can not reserve a patrol site
within a particular campsite. Check Here to make sure your
troop is signed up
Camperships:
A limited number of camperships are available to help boys in need of
financial assistance. An application
form is available in the forms section of this leaders guide. Early requests
are necessary to ensure equitable distribution of available funds. The amount of
the campership given to each Scout will vary based of economic need, but in
nearly all circumstances will not exceed 50% of the price of camp. Scouts
receiving Camperships are not eligible for the camper savings discount.
Camp Refund Policy:
Camper fees are refundable under certain conditions. Refunds must be
requested in writing to the Great Rivers Council Service Center before the troop
leaves for camp. The following rules apply: � After May 1, the $10.00
registration fee is not refundable nor transferable. � The unit leader may
request a refund of the balance of the fee when: 1. Illness of Scout prevents
his attendance at summer camp. 2. Illness or death of a family member of the
Scout prevents the Scout�s attendance at camp.
Certain Badges and programs will have additional costs for supplies. I.E.
COPE Climbing, Shotgun Shooting, etc.
General Policies
Membership:
The Boy Scouts of America require that all campers participating in the
summer camp program be registered members. Make sure all your campers are
currently registered. Rosters should be submitted with your final payment. Your
check-in will be delayed without them.
Swim Qualifications:
All Scouts and leaders participating in aquatic activities will be tested by
the aquatic staff and placed in one of three ability groups: learner, beginner,
and swimmer. Only swimmers may take canoeing, rowing, water-skiing, sailing, or
motor boating merit badges. Scouts must also be at least 14 years of age to take
motor boating merit badge.
Patrol Method:
We use the �Patrol Method� This means that it is the responsibility of
the troops Senior Patrol Leader to organize and run the troop. It is his job to
get the campsite ready for inspection each day and to post the duty roster and
fire plan.
Transportation:
Transportation to and from camp shall be by approved means only. All campers
and adults are required to use seat belts. NO ONE may ride in the back of a
truck or pickup. Observe insurance and safety precautions as stated in the Guide
to Safe Scouting.
Pressurized Fuels:
National BSA policy permits the use of liquid fuel only under the direct
supervision of a knowledgeable adult leader. Gasoline and other flammable
substances are to be stored in the approved fuel storage area in camp.
Leaving Campsite:
After 10:30 P.M.. each evening, Scouts should not leave their campsite
without a buddy and adult leadership. This includes use of the shower
facilities.
Alcoholic Beverages:
The possession or use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in camp. Those
unwilling to abide by this policy will leave camp immediately. Leaders, please
inform parents of this so they are not embarrassed on visitor�s night.
Illegal Drugs:
The possession or use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Offenders will leave
camp immediately.
Tobacco:
Please refrain from using tobacco in camp. Remember the 11th point of the
Scout law. No Smoking on the trails or in any tent. No one under the age of 18
years old will be permitted to use tobacco products in camp. Smoking is
prohibited in all buildings. Leaders set the example.
Firearms and Archery Equipment:
Firearms and archery are prohibited in camp anywhere except the shooting
sports area. Personal firearms and archery equipment are not allowed at camp.
This is a BSA national policy. Ammunition may not be brought to camp. Ammunition
for the shooting sports area is issued at the range.
Leaving Camp:
Leaving camp during your stay for any reason requires signing out at the camp
office. Campers may not leave camp unless under the direct supervision of unit
leaders. A Scout will only be released from camp when signed-out at the camp
office by the unit leader.
Prohibited at camp:
Pets, fireworks, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, sheath knives, motorcycles,
bicycles, tobacco, unScout-like literature, firearms, ammunition.
Vehicles in Campsites:
No vehicles will be allowed in camp after 12:30 P.M.. on Sunday. If your unit
wishes to bring a troop trailer to camp, it must be brought in between 9:00 a.m.
and 12:30 P.M.. on Sunday. Special arrangements may be made to deliver your
trailer on Saturday. Your campsite will be issued a pushcart to carry gear to
your campsite. VEHICLES ARE TO REMAIN IN DESIGNATED PARKING AREAS. Service
vehicles only will be allowed in camp during the week. On Checkout Saturday, you
may retrieve your troop trailers before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 a.m.
Health Examinations:
Every Scout and adult must have medical examination form, completed and
signed by an examining physician. A Class I and Class II medical form has a
3-year validity, and is to be used by all Scouts and Scouters below the age of
40. For those over the age of 40, or those participating in the Outback Ranger
program at Hohn Scout Reservation a Class 3 medical form is needed. Class 3
medical forms are only valid for one year. Of particular importance is the
following information: � The date of the last tetanus shot. � Any specific
ailments. � Any allergies and medication information. � PARENTS MUST HAVE
SIGNED THE FORM WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE END OF YOUR CAMP SESSION. Download
Forms
Scouts without a medical form, signed by the parent and a licensed physician,
MUST be sent home. Download
Forms
Medical examinations are not provided at Hohn Scout Reservation or Camp
Thunderbird. If a Scout does not bring his medical examination form, or if his
medical examination form does not have a current parent signature, the Scout
will not be permitted to remain at camp. There are no exceptions to this policy.
Leaders are encouraged to develop some type of �fail safe� mechanism to
ensure that no Scout arrives at camp without a current parent permission
signature on his form.
Trips to the hospital or doctor:
It is the responsibility of the unit leadership to provide transportation for
members of their units requiring non-emergency attention from a doctor or
hospital. One adult leader from the unit will accompany the unit member
requiring services. He must obtain the health form from the health lodge before
leaving. Parent or guardian will be notified immediately by the Camp Director of
any serious illness or injury. If parents will not be at home while you are at
camp, have them advise you how they can be contacted.
Youth Protection Guidelines
The following policies have been adopted to provide security for the
youth in our programs. In addition, they serve to protect adult leadership from
situations in which they are vulnerable to allegations of abuse. Two-Deep
Leadership Two registered adults or one registered adult leader and a parent of
a participant who must be at least 21 years of age or older, are required on all
trips and outings. The Chartered Organization is responsible for ensuring that
sufficient leadership is provided for all activities. At least two leaders must
be with the troop 24 hours a day. Leaders may rotate but they must also sign in
and out at the Camp Office. No One-to-One Contact One-to-one contact between
adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require a personal
conference, such as a Scoutmaster conference, the meeting is to be conducted in
view of other adults and youth. Respect of Privacy Adult leaders must respect
the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing into swimming suits
or taking showers at camp and intrude only to the extent that health and safety
requires. Adults must also protect their own privacy in similar situations. When
camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent or cabin of an adult other
than his own parent or guardian. Limited separate shower and latrine facilities
for females are provided, and when separate facilities are not available, times
for male and female use should be scheduled and posted. Abuse Adult and unit
leaders are not to use physical, mental, or verbal abuse on youth. This includes
any threatening manner toward any youth or other person. Great Rivers Council
camps are a SAFE HAVEN for all who visit. Any actions or suspected behavior
of this type is to be reported immediately to the Camp Director. It is the
policy of the Boy Scouts of America that any suspected abuse of any kind be
reported to the appropriate authorities.
Youth Protection Training
is available online
General Information
Trading Post:
The Great Rivers Council trading post is stocked with needed merit badge
items, souvenirs, candy, T-shirts, patches, and much more. No food or drink will
be sold if trash becomes a problem in camp. So keep your litter picked up.
The Trading Post will be open 15 minutes prior to each program period.
Evening hours will also be posted.
Visitors Meals:
Meals for visitors are available at $5.00 per person, per meal payable at the
camp office. Please alert the commissary director as far in advance as possible
if camping at Hohn Scout Reservation.
Visitors:
Visitors� day will be Thursday from 5:00 P.M.. until after the campfire.
Parents should expect to be traveling home from camp by 10:00 P.M.. Visitors are
welcome to visit campsites, program areas, and flag ceremonies. Visitors are
welcome during the week anytime, but other than Thursday, MUST check-in and out
of the camp office with the camp director, program director, business manager or
camp commissioner.
Uniforms:
Scouting is a uniform organization. The Official uniform is required for all
participants, both youth and adult. Complete field uniforms are to be worn for
evening flag ceremonies, vespers, and campfires. Activity uniforms are
appropriate for the remainder of the day. Activity uniforms are Scout pants,
socks and Scout related t-shirts.
Lost and Found:
Lost and Found items will be turned into the camp office. Leaders and parents
should encourage Scouts to mark their personal belongings with name and troop
number. Camp management and staff are not responsible for lost items.
QUARTERMASTER -
Units may pick up latrine supplies and cleaning equipment, as needed. Scout
leaders may also pick up tools and other material for special camp projects. The
troop is responsible for the return of all items checked out in clean, working
order. All items checked out are to be returned no later than 3:00 pm Friday.
Quartermaster Hours of Operation Daily 9:00 am - 10:00 am 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - All campsites and Camp owned equipment
will be inspected before checking in and out of Camp. Any damages that occur
will be assessed by the Camp Ranger and must be paid for by the troop prior to
leaving camp. Damages may include lost or damaged equipment, defacing tents or
facilities or damage to the natural environment. Please note and report any
damage you detect on your check-in when you and your troop counselor inventory
your campsite Sunday evening.
The charges are as follows:
- Tents & Fly�s: Rips & tears per inch $ 2.00
- Writing on canvas each panel .
- $ 17.50 Destroying waterproofing (Cost to be determined on an individual
basis) Note: Use of aerosol spray cans in a tent will destroy waterproofing)
- Tent Replacement $386.00
- Fly Replacement $240.00
- Tent platforms, picnic & cook tables: New board replacement � Cost
determined by individual case (minimum $7.50)
- Ridge poles $ 10.00
- Uprights $ 7.50
- Permanent Structures: Damage will be assessed on an individual basis.
- Environmental Damage: Damage to live trees $ 20.00
- Improper disposal of trash and litter $ 10.00
- Smoke Alarms $ 25.00
- Fire Extinguishers $ 40.00
- Patrol Equipment current catalog price
Experience Tells Us:
Over the last few years, comments made by Scoutmasters in their evaluations
suggested the need for a section of helpful hints based on previous experiences
at camp. This is a collection of what experience has taught us regarding merit
badges and advancements:
- Summer camp is not a merit badge mill, where you pay a fee and get four
badges automatically. Instead, camp offers merit badges as one portion of
the overall program.
- You should plan on a maximum of four merit badges per week per boy.
- The most difficult badges to earn are those requiring a great deal of
physical skill, co-ordination and stamina, i.e. Lifesaving, Archery,
Rifle/Shotgun.
- Complete advance written work at home, camp is not the ideal classroom for
written work. The prepared Scout comes to camp with all written work already
done.
- Boys should try doing something new at camp and get a well-rounded
experience. Try a handicraft badge, a nature and an aquatic or
Scoutcraft/campcraft badge combination.
- You should come to camp prepared. Have patrols already organized. Elect
patrol leaders. Work on ideas as patrols and have the patrol leaders
represent the group at camp.
- Your campsite is your home for the week, so work at making it comfortable
by bringing banners and flags to dress it up.
- You should schedule time for rest! That's right. Too often, you don't take
time to sit and enjoy the beauty at camp around you. Don't keep such a pace
that you miss the trees, the nature, and the clean, fresh air.
- Top troops show spirit. The troop that comes to camp with ideas and spirit
and challenges make the rest of camp come alive. Bring your troop cheer to
camp and show everyone that you're number one.
- Be flexible. Each week nearly 250 boys attend camp and while staff is
there to meet everyone's needs, a Scout is friendly, cheerful, and
courteous. We need to practice the Scout law in camp when dealing with
others.
- Communicate: If you have a special need or want to do something
spectacular, tell us about it and we'll give it our best shot.
- In the event a situation requires you or one of your Scouts to go to the
hospital, experience tells us that it would be wise to have a photocopy of
each troop member's insurance card for more efficient processing and faster
service.
- For your benefit, it would be advisable to have no less than 2 copies of
each camper's and leader's health forms while at camp. One for your unit's
file and one for the Health Lodge file.
Program Opportunities
Program opportunities are available for every Scout in camp whether a first
year or veteran camper. Special activities are available to experienced campers
to use their skills and keep them challenged. For beginning campers, emphasis is
placed on activities to assist them in completing early advancement requirements
and practice basic camping skills.
Advancement Philosophy
Summer Camp is not just for Merit Badges. Scouts should be encouraged
to take no more than four badges at summer camp. Many badges may require
time outside of the allotted time. Scouts may wish to participate in a troop
or patrol activity, go to free swim, or simply relax while at camp.
Merit badges have suggested age levels. We rely on the Scoutmaster to
help enforce this plan while working with the Scouts to choose their
schedule. Merit Badge Sheets will be date stamped upon arrival at the
Scout Service Center. Preference will be given to those that submit their
requests early. Scouts that are generally too young for a badge will be
offered alternative classes. Please help us avoid this situation by encouraging
your Scouts to participate in age-appropriate programs.
Merit Badge Schedule
Merit Badge Registration
Form
Patrol and Troop Activities: �
- Archery Shoots �
- Rifle Shoots �
- Sporting events (Volleyball, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Triathlon) �
- Water Carnival �
- Patrol Trail Rides �
- Climbing and Repelling Tower (Hohn Only) �
- Canoeing (Hohn Only), Hiking and Biking Outposts �
- Vesper Services. �
- Campfire Programs on Sunday and Friday �
- Order of the Arrow Call Out Ceremony �
- Daily Flag Ceremonies �
- Mile Swim �
- Open Aquatics,
- Open Shooting �
- Fishing
Older Scout Activities: �
- Outback Ranger Program (Hohn Only) �
- Project C.O.P.E. (Hohn Only) �
- Eagle Required Merit Badges such as Environmental Science, First Aid,
Camping, Lifesaving, and Swimming �
- Lifeguard BSA
New Scout Activities: �
Brownsea Program to supplement, but not supplant, your troops First Class in
a Year emphasis
Advancement Opportunities: �
Merit Badge classes offered in a variety of program areas such as aquatics,
nature, field sports, shooting sports, and Scoutcraft.
Scheduled Activities
- Flag Ceremonies: Respect for the flag is very important. Each troop is
encouraged to conduct their own flag ceremonies in their campsite and all
troop should attend the camp wide ceremonies.
- Vespers Service: A Scout is Reverent. Monday evening hosts a camp wide
vespers service.
- Campfires: All troops must attend the opening and closing campfires. These
are vital to the summer camp program experience.
- Fellowships: There will be a fellowship for the Order of the Arrow.
Consult your weekly schedule and plan to attend.
The Brownsea Program
The Brownsea program is designed to give the first year camper a great
Scouting experience. This well-rounded program will provide a firm foundation
for his Scouting activities. It will also give him a jump-start in completing
selected requirements toward his Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class
ranks.
Brownsea Scouts will also participate in an outpost. Scouts will want to
bring a sleeping bag, backpack, and a small backpacking tent.
Please register for the Brownsea program on a Merit
Badge Sheet.
Brownsea will focus on Scouting Skills and requirements from the Tenderfoot
through First Class Requirements in the Boy Scout Handbook. Topics covered will
include, but not limited to, first aid, knots, tot-n-chip, camping skills,
cooking, fire building, and plant identification.
The name of the game is FUN, but with a purpose. Each participant will get a
real �hands on� program, in order to enhance his outdoor skills. This
program is designed for skills instruction. We think this program is exciting
and challenging for the new boys. It is the responsibility of the unit to sign
the Scouts handbook. Upon checkout you will be provided an attendance report and
a listing of skills covered to use in evaluating a Scout�s skills.
The Brownsea program is optional and your first year campers do not have to
participate. The Brownsea program will not be beneficial for those first year
campers that have completed a majority of the requirements for Tenderfoot,
Second Class, and First Class ranks.
If you have Scouts participating in this program, we ask that one leader from
your troop attend each day with your Scouts.
Outback Rangers A Program for Older Scouts
Application (PDF) (DOC)
The Outback Ranger program is designed for those Scouts who are at least 13
years old or older and in their third year of summer camp. Participants must be
in good physical condition, looking for fun, adventure, and challenges in the
rugged hills, scenic valleys, and pristine coves on Hohn Scout Reservation and
the Lake of the Ozarks.
Scouts participating in the Outback Ranger program will leave camp on Sunday
afternoon and not return until Friday afternoon.
Program highlights include group initiative games and challenge course to
build teamwork; mountain man activities including black powder rifle shooting,
tomahawk throwing, cooking and crafts; Native American activities such as a
sweat lodge, games, and crafts; early American skills such as blacksmithing and
lumberjacking; aquatic activities like canoeing, sailing, and other high
adventure activities like rock climbing and rappelling, backpacking, fishing and
swimming.
The goal of this program is to offer the older Scouts an alternative to
traditional summer camp while giving him the opportunity to learn and practice
group dynamics, leadership, self �reliance and personal achievement. Merit
badges or specific awards will not be offered but many activities will fulfill
certain merit badge requirements. The staff will serve as advisors rather than
directors; the degree of enjoyment and enrichment gained by the Scouts depends
on their own attitudes and desires.
Scouts will live in outpost camps in the backwoods of Hohn Scout Reservation
and selected undeveloped shorefront property on Lake of the Ozarks. Scouts
should plan on carrying all equipment necessary for survival and walking or
paddling everyday. Camping will be in shelters constructed by the Scouts and
fires will be built using only flint and steel. Some cooking will be on
backpacking stoves, the rest on open fires.
The Outback Ranger Program requires an individual application. Scouts
need not participate in the program the week that their troop is in camp.
Availability is based upon demand. There is a limit of 20 participants per
week.
Project C.O.P.E.
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. � Monday � Friday
C.O.P.E. is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. All
participating Scouts must have reached their 13th birthday by January 1.
This thrill-packed experience will stretch physical abilities and enhance
self-esteem as it pushes the Scout to accomplish more than he believes he can.
This difficult, yet challenging experience should be reserved for older and more
experienced Scouts. They will climb, swing, balance, rappel, and think their way
through its multiple events.
The objectives of Project C.O.P.E. are: � Leadership Development � Problem
Solving � Communication � Self-esteem � Trust � Decision Making � Teamwork
The initiative games, low course, and high course, will be held all week from
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each week at Hohn Scout Reservation. You must attend all
sessions.
Requirements to participate in Project C.O.P.E. include: be at least 13 years
of age by January 1 and First Class Rank.
Sturdy, well-constructed athletic shoes or boots, leather work-gloves, and
long pants are the necessary items for each Scout participating in C.O.P.E.
Climbing and Rappelling Tower
Hohn Scout Reservation is proud of the 36-foot climbing and rappelling tower.
Troop climbs fill fast. Be certain to request one on your advance information
sheet. You may request a troop climb on your advance information sheet or with
the Program Director.
This program will be offered during all three sessions at Hohn Scout
Reservation. A Scout may attend at the same time his troop is in camp or he may
attend the Outback Ranger program on his own without his troop. Adults are
welcome and encouraged to attend and pay the same fee as Scouts. Please sign up
early for spaces are limited to the first 20 reservations received each week.
Order of the Arrow
The Order of the Arrow is a national brotherhood of Honor Scout Campers who
work to promote good camping by cheerful service. Members of there own unit
elects Scouts who demonstrate Scouting spirit while camping.
Youth Membership Qualifications � Currently a registered member of the Boy
Scouts of America. � Have obtained the rank of First Class or above. � Have
camped out at least 15 days and nights in the last two years (no more than
six-days may be from a long-term camp). � Be recommended by the Scoutmaster.
For further information about the Order of the Arrow, eligibility for
election, or making arrangements for conducting an election within your unit,
contact your local chapter chief. Try to organize
and execute an election before your arrival to camp. To avoid confusion, please
bring a copy of your election results to camp with you.
Order of the Arrow Call out Ceremony: The Order of the Arrow will have a
weekly �call-out� ceremony on Thursday night of each week. Parents and
friends are welcome to watch this ceremony. At the end of the summer, Ordeal
candidates will participate in the induction weekend at Camp Thunderbird
in August . Members will be asked to help with the Order of the Arrow call out
ceremony serving as torch bearers, runners, fire builders, smudge pot builders,
and torch builders. All Arrowmen are encouraged to bring their Indian Costume to
camp and wear it to the Brotherhood and OA Callout ceremony on Thursday evening.
Brotherhood at Camp: This summer, the Order of the Arrow will be continuing
the �Brotherhood at Camp� program. Arrowmen who attend summer camp will be
given the opportunity to receive their brotherhood while they are at camp. This
program is open to all Arrowmen- youth and adult alike � who received their
Ordeal before August of last year.
Scouts and Scouters may register for this program as you would for a merit
badge class. The cost for the program will be $17.00 to cover the cost of the
sash.
The prospective candidate must be sure to follow the guidelines outlined in
the OA Handbook. These include memorize the signs of the Ordeal Membership,
advance in your understanding of the Ordeal, serve your unit plan for service in
the lodge, make an Indian costume, and write a letter to the Lodge Advancement
Vice-Chief. The Brotherhood candidate needs to bring his regalia and letter to
camp with him.
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